DescriptionPseudoeurycea aquatica is moderately large sized (68.4-70.5mm) and its features are specialized for aquatic life. The head is broad and triangular-shaped. The snout is bluntly pointed (with a 70mm posterior vent) and the eyes are small. Remarkably, the nostrils are external but closed due to flap-like structures. The adductor and depressor muscles of the jaw are slightly enlarged and very strong. The mouth holds few but large maxillary teeth. The tail is long, slender, and marked by a constriction at its base. Similarly, the limbs are very long. There are four unwebbed and well-formed digits, plus a prominent but short fifth toe (Wake and Campbell 2001).

It is found on the northern mountain slopes of Oaxaca. Generally, lives in streams at 2103m, near cloud forest. It is most often found resting at the bottom of plunge pools (Wake and Campbell 2001).

Life History, Abundance, Activity, and Special BehaviorsUniquely aquatic as adults with slow terrestrial movement. The Pseudoeurycea aquatica shows nocturnal behavior throughout life (Wake and Campbell 2001).

Trends and ThreatsPossible extinction dates back to two decades ago. Clearing of forestry and the resulting degradation of streams due to burned debris has led to a disappearance of Pseudoeurycea aquatica in the Río La Lana (Wake and Campbell 2001).